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Pesticide Management

Pittsford Schools Manage Pesticide Use

Pittsford School District recognizes what many health organizations warn about the use of chemical pesticides, particularly in areas near children. The district’s environmental effort addresses these concerns by eliminating the use of pesticides and using natural organic methods.

What is a pesticide?  A pesticide is a toxic synthetic substance used to directly control and or kill pests or to prevent or reduce the damage they cause. The term pesticide is a generic term referring all to fungicides, herbicides and insecticides.

Chemical pesticides are unnecessary because sustainable, healthy and effective lawn and garden maintenance practices are available, reducing health risks and in some cases, reducing the cost of lawn maintenance.

    
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Notification of Pesticide Use

All public and non-public schools are required to inform parents, faculties, and staff of a New York State Education law regarding notification of pesticide use in school buildings and on school grounds during the school year.  There are three communication requirements under this law.

1.  Notification each fall providing information on the law and its requirements.
2.  Notification 48 hours prior to certain pesticide applications at your school building.  The following pesticide applications are not subject to prior notification requirements:
- a school remains unoccupied for a continuous 72 hours following an application;
- anti-micro products;
- non-volatile rodenticides in tamper resistant bait stations in areas inaccessible to children;
- silica gels and other non-volatile read-to-use paste, foams, or gels in areas inaccessible to children;
- boric acid and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate;
- the application of EPA designated biopesticies;
- the application of EPA designated exempt materials under 40CFR152.25;
- the use of aerosol products with a directed spray in containers of 18 fluid ounces or less when used to protect individuals from imminent threat from stinging and biting insects including venomous spiders, bees, wasps and hornets.
3.  Notification in December, April and June, if other applications have occurred.

Currently, Pittsford Central Schools does not regularly apply pesticides at any of its buildings or building sites. Prevention practices have been the preferred method of control.  Any pesticide applications that my be made will be in response to a particular need at a building and would be applied by a certified pesticide control technician.